Justice Ekerete Alan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to controversial Nigerian musician, Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, in the amount of N20 million, requiring one surety of equivalent value.
Justice Akpan delivered the ruling following a bail application presented by the singer’s attorney, Marshall Abubakar, after Speed Darlington entered a plea of not guilty to two counts related to alleged cybercrime.
Justice Akpan stipulated that the surety must be a Level 10 civil servant residing in Abuja and must provide an affidavit of means.
Furthermore, the court registrar is tasked with verifying the surety’s address, and the surety must either be employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) or hold a federal position.
Additionally, the judge instructed that the surety must submit their letters of appointment and the most recent promotion, which are to be verified by the deputy chief registrar of the court.
The judge also mandated that Speed Darlington surrender his international passport and that both the surety and the defendant provide two recent passport photographs to the court registrar.
Consequently, Speed Darlington is to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre until the conditions of his bail are fulfilled.
Justice Akpan has scheduled the next hearing for March 18 for the trial proceedings.
The Inspector-General of Police has brought the amended charges against Speed Darlington for offenses related to cybercrime.
